Hero Maestro: A winning combination

What does it take to become a maestro? Perfection, finesse, ability and mastery to win. When Hero MotoCorp (previously Hero Honda) rolled out the scooter, Pleasure, it was well-defined as a product positioned for women.

A few years later, following the success of the Pleasure, Hero has managed to create something different: A scooter for men!

Hero has introduced the ‘Maestro’, a scooter positioned for men. At first glance, it is clear that there are many masculine nuances about it. It looks bulky, muscular and has a heavy feel to it. A solid design, coupled with bold lines, make it a thing for men.

As I approach it, its majesty takes over and yes, it truly looks majestic. On and on, there is something nice about the Maestro’s looks.

The front has a typical scooter face, but it is broad and feels like the yesteryear scooter fronts. A unique feature is a black dome-like fixture with the company’s name pasted on it, above the headlight.

The mirrors have a streak of the body colour, other than a standard black shade. The rear has a different appearance though, with the tail-lamp having indicators protruding outward at a sharp angle. On looking at the sides of the scooter, I notice the name MAESTRO boldly inscribed in steel, which complements its overall masculinity.

I am pleasantly surprised by the comfort the Maestro has to offer as I take my seat on the scooter, ready for a short spin. The seat position is perfect, making you feel high as you sit on it, with the posture and ergonomics being out of this world. Most impressive is the console I see in front of me.

The smart ‘Digital Analog Combo Meter Console’ is a combination of a speedometer, precision trip meter, fuel gauge, odometer and also a ‘Service Due Indicator’ that lets one know of services due. All this is beautifully crafted and has a high-end touch.

As I take off, the scooter is quick to respond to my handling. It just darts forward, and I am thoroughly impressed by its acceleration. For a scooter with an air-cooled, 4-stroke single cylinder, 109cc engine, the Maestro just knows how to charge ahead. Its maximum power of 6.0 kW (8.2 Ps) @ 7500 rpm with a maximum torque of 9.10 Nm @ 5500 rpm does its best at going between traffic with ease.

The road is a bad one, with puddles and ditches everywhere. It is here that the Maestro wins again. The ride through the bad road is a cake walk, and in places where the scooter cannot go through, it goes around well.

The manoeuvrability is top-class, with the 1240 mm wheel base being of much help. As I encounter a bottleneck, I am still riding at a speed of around 70 kmph. The scooter’s Combined Breaking System (pressing of one break lever applies brakes on both wheels) comes to my rescue and I come to a comfortable halt.

The entire ride this far has been fun, easy and fast. During turns too, the Maestro is effortless. Its smooth ride doesn’t give way. Even at slower parking speeds, I am specially awed by the Maestro’s resilience. There is minimal or no drag at all, and the ride is smooth sailing.

One major observation I make here about the engine is that a rider can pull throttle at different speeds and the scooter almost flawlessly responds to it like music. Throughout the spin, I am made aware of the masculine leanings of the Maestro. The ride is heavy, but as a rider, you are in command.

After a reasonably long ride, I return to the place from where I began my journey. As I park the scooter, I am still blown away by its style. The underseat space is enough to keep a helmet and other little relevant items.

Available in six colours and with so many new features, the Maestro is available at a competitive price-point of Rs 47,500 (ex-showroom Bangalore). The Maestro is no doubt a master in its own class and by producing it, Hero has kept up to its name.